Adjustable coupling for wrist watch bands



Aug. 17, 1948. c; GOLDBLATT ADJUSTABLE COUPLING FOR WRIST WATCH BANDS 3Shoots-Shoot 1 Filed Jan. 6, 1948 INVENTOR. CHARLES GOLDBLATT Fill I A TTORNEY.

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c. GOLDBLATT EJUSTABLE COUPLING FOR IRIS! I A'ICH BANDS Aug. 17, 1948.

Filed Jan. 6, 1948 M HHHHHHH In Hun nu? i ]NVENTOR. CHARLES GOLDBLATT'Hi5 ATTORNEX.

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Filed Jan 6, 1948 Patented Aug. 17, 1948 UNITED STATES PATEN OFFICEADJUSTABLE COUPLING FOR wms'r WATCHBANDS Charles Goldblatt, Kampa ar:-Application January 0, 194a,

9 Claims. (01. 24-48) This invention relates to adjustable couplings,and more particularly to couplings for flexible bands and still moreparticularly to couplings for wrist watch bands or the like.

This-invention is a continuation-in-part of my invention described andclaimed in my application Serial No. 761,305, flled July 16, 1947, andis an improvement over my invention described and claimed in applicationSerial No. 552,149, filed Patent No. 2,424,656 and in August 31, 1944,now v No. 722,395, filed January my application Serial 16, 1947.

In accordance with my invention in said patent, k

I have described and claimed a variable coupling for joining the ends ofbands, such as wrist watch bracelets, in which a retainer member has acoof band segments in overlapping secured by employing .lappingposition,-

operation with a manipulating member for a guide provides the means forsetting and locking the band'portions along their lengths-to each other,whereby operation may easily effected to secure, with one hand, anadjustment of the overlapping portions with relation to eachother, tobring the overlap of the elements tobe coupled in greater or lesseroverand to hold, by locking action, oiby frictional action, the couplingin the overlapped position;

Still more particularly, it is an object of my invention to provide acoupling for joinin a pair position by the cooperative engagement thefastener elements of a so-called zipper construction as the abutments,or I wear-resisting parts of a flexible band member and the slidableactuator as the guide and terminal connector for the other band member,whereby the band se ments may be adjusted in overlapping position andlocked in such overlapping position by a simple manipulative adjustment.

Still more particularly,'it is an object of my invention. to provide awrist watch band or 1 bracelet which may be adjusted quickly and easilyI have found that where the specific features in accordance with myprior inventions are employed, especially in a wrist watch band, thatthe coupling and uncoupling action is not conveniently carried outexcept by a manipulation which requires the use of both hands.

Accordingly, it is an object of my invention to provide a coupling forjoining the terminal ends of flexible band portions or the like in whichthe adjustable relationship of the band portions to each other inoverlapping position may be quickly and easily effected, and lockingengagement secured by manipulation which may be performed simply andreadily with one hand. Still more particularly it is an object of myinvention to provide a coupling for joining band portions of flexiblematerial, such as leather or the like, in which coupling is provided byinterengagement of cooperative portions of the fastener elements ofslide fasteners, or what is commonly known as zippers.

Still more particularly, it is an object of my invention to provide acoupling for joining a pair of band segments in overlapping relationshipto adjust their relative position to each other, in which closelypositioned abutment members comprising fastener elements along astringer in coand provide a highl ornamental facing without perforationswhile securing adjustment.

Still more particularly, it is an object of my invention to provide acoupling for connecting band portions, particularly those forming theparts of a wrist watch bracelet, in which the band portions are held inoverlapping position to provide compactly arranged layers, and includingnovel means of assembly to obtain security, comfort, and long life inuse. a

To attain these objects and such further objects as may appear herein orbe hereinafter pointed out, I make reference to the accompanyingdrawing,'forming a part hereof, in which- Figure 1 is alongitudiha-l'sectional view of the band and coupling therefor inconnection with a wrist watch strap taken on the line ll .of Fi ure 2;

Figure 2 is a plan view thereof;

Figure 3 is a magnified perspective view of a coupling element;

Figure 4 is an end view showing the wrist watch bracelet in thecontracted condition;

Figure 5 is a similar viewshowing the wrist watch bracelet in theexpanded position;

Figure 6 is a fragmentary section of another embodiment of my invention;

be simply and.

a wide latitude of tions of a wrist watch strap in unconnected positionsthereof, in accordance with another embodiment of my invention;

Figure 8 is a magnified fragmentary sectional view with the bandportions connected and in a position corresponding to Figure 6;

Figure 9 is a fragmentary magnified view taken on the line 9-9 of Figure8;

Figure 10 is a section taken on the line Ill-40 of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a fragmentary plan view in accordance with anotherembodiment of my invention, corresponding to the view shown in Figure 9.taken on the line |I-l I of Figure 12;

Figure 12 is a section taken on the line l2-l2 o ure 11,-

Figure 13 is a perspective view of a connecting link;

Figures 14 and 15 are progressive assembly views employing the link ofFigure 13.

Making reference to the drawing, I have illustrated variable couplingsjoining flexible band portions such as the leather or like band portionsof a wrist watch bracelet. In the views, the wrist watch 10 has theloops II and I2 for carrying the usual spring lugs I3 and i4, to whichband portions may be attached. In accordance with my invention, one loopI I is provided with a band portion l5. The loop l2 has aflixed to itthe made from as leather, having a top layer i1 folded at l8 to providea loop by the stitch line 19 joining the underlayer 20. The freeco-terminous ends 2| and 22 are joined by a row of marginal stitches 23.

The underlayer 20 is formed with a cut out slot 24 forming a recessretaining stringers 25 and 26, having complementary slide fastenerelements 21 and a slide fastener actuator or slider therefor 28. Theusual stops 29 are provided on the inner end of the stringers and theloop stop 30 adjacent the outer end of the stringers,

The slider 29 is positioned so that the camming action for the slidefastener elements 21 tends to disengage the slide fastener elements 21in moving from the stops 29 toward loop stop 30. Vice versa, to unlockthe slide fasteners movement is effected in the opposite direction.

An assembly comprising the stringers 25 and 26 may be sandwiched betweenthe layers l1 and 20 and sewn in position by a peripheral line ofstitches 3|.

The slider or actuator 28 loop 32 adjacent an aperture spaced fastenerelements 21 accessible for purposes of locking the actuator or slideralong the length of the stringers, as will be more particularlydescribed hereinafter.

The band portion l comprises a length of material similar to thatdescribed in connection with the member 16 and includes a bottom layer34 which is looped at 35 to receive the spring lug I 3. A row ofstitches 36 defines a loop from the fold at the end. The end 31 has sidewings 36 which are folded down and stitched to the underlayer 34 to forma pocket 39, A facing layer 40 is stitched down to the underlayer 34,extending rearwardly to hold down the loop 4| by the rows of stitches42.

The inner end of the facing layer 40 extends into the pocket portion 39adjacent one end 43 of the band portion IS. The facing layer 40 isprovided with a slot 44 adjacent its end 45, to receive the lockingtongue 46, extending from the cross pin 41 about which the loop 48 isformed.

is provided with a 33 which makes the The locking tongue 46 is providedwith inwardly directed pintles 32, of the actuator or slider 28,previously described. A transverse locking pin 50 extends from the endof the locking tongue and is arranged upon pivotal movement of thetongue 46 in parallelism with the band I6 to enter the slot 33 01' theactuator or slider 28, previously described.

After looping the fold 41, the terminal by the row of stitches 53.

With the assembly thus provided, the lower layer 34 includes a tongue 54which is arranged to extend for a distance to form a liner, as willappear hereinafter, With the construction as provided, also, assembly inbracelet fashion is effected by joining the pintles 49 with the loop 32,more clearly shown in Figures 4 and 5.

In the extended limiting position as shown in Figure 5, it will beobserved that the operation of the assembly is as follows:

Upon sleeving the braclet over the wrist, the operator may grasp thefree end of the band portion l6 adjacent the tongue 55 and pull it awayfrom the wrist. This operation tilts the locking tongue to disengage thetransverse locking pin from the path of the slide fastener elements 21.Continued tension on the tongue 55 will serve to slide the slider oractuator 28 to the desired position encircling the wrist to the limitingposition desired by the wearer. Thereupon the looking tongue 46 may bepressed in parallelism with the row of slide fastener elements to directthe locking pin 50 into locking engagement with the slide fastenerelements 21. Further pressure on the tongue 46 will serve to direct thefree end of the band such as the tongue 55 between the fingers 5l-5l,holding the tongue 55 in position. The free end of the tongue 55 maythereafter be threaded through the loop 4| and then directed in thepocket 39. The position shown in Figure 4 will thereupon be assumed bythe bracelet.

For disengagement of the bracelet from the wrist, the reverse process isinvolved, including first removal of the tongue 55 from engagement withthe pocket 39 and loop 4| respectively,

48 about the cross pin to permit the slider or actuator to be slid tothe limiting position adjacent the stop 30, whereupon the bracelet maybe slid off the wrist or adjusted to any other position permitted by theexpansion of the bracelet.

Thus it will be observed that speedy adjustment It tongue 54 forms alining covering th'e actuator or slider in relation to the body or skinof the wearer.

It will be observed also that while I have described and illustrated thecross pin 41 and fingers 5| to provide a retaining member to hold thetongue 55 in a position directing the locking pin 50 into lockingposition with the slide fastener elements, other locking nism for thelocking tongue 46 may be employed.

It will be observed that while I have provided the cross pin 41 and theretainer fingers 5| in spaced relationship for clipping by detent actionthe tongue 55 in position, I may provide a flexible loop and 49 arrangedto engag the loop end 45 may be stitched down thread the tongue 55therein, thereby,

to provide a retaining member for the band portion carrying the tongue88, and thereby hold the locking tongue 48 in the position preventingsliding movement of the actuator or slider 28 along the length of thestringers (as shown hereafter-see Figures 7 to In Figure 6 I have showna construction wherein the locking tongue 48a is directed to besandwiched in the loop 48a and" held in position by an eyelet 88a. Thelayer 49a is sewn in position over thelayer 84a after positioning a loop5|a between these layers, thereby providin a retaining loop in aposition adjacent the locking terminal to receive the free end 65threaded there-- through and hold the locking tongue 46a in a positiondirecting the locking pin through the actuator or slider 28 againstsliding movement along the length of the locking members 21.

In all other respects, simplified manipulation is possible to variablyadjust the band portions l5 and IS in overlapping position.

In the embodiment of Figures 7 to 10, I have shown a construction inwhich band portions 69 and GI have embodied additional features offlexibility and compactness to assure comfort when worn as a wrist watchstrap. The band portion 6| is formed with an outer layer or facing layer62 and an inner layer 63 which may beileather. The layers 62 and 63sandwich therebetween the opposed stringers 64 of fabric, woven to beindistensible and to hold the same together, there is applied the rowsof stitches 65 and 86. The

' teners 69 are joined by an actuator or slider 12 which has front andback wings 13 and I4, and nd flanges 15 joined by the central web 16 toembrace 'the rear and front faces, respectively, of the edge of thestringers 84 and the fasteners 69 carried thereby. The web 16 adjacentthe funnel ll of the slider is constricted by crimping to provide theminimum flare sufiicient to engage and disengage the separable fasteners69 and thereby minimize the displacement of the stringers and fasteners69 from the plane of the inner layer 63. The relationship of theseparable fasteners 88 to each other and the slider I2 is adjusted tolock frictionally the slider 12 along the length of the stringers in theactuation of the 6 of the slider I2 to join the opposed band portions 90and 8| with each other. The band portion 89 is provided with loops 88and 89 and held against sliding by the transverse rowsoi' stitches 99and 9 I, respectively. A loop 92 may freely slide alon the length of theband portion 88.

With the construction described, the circlet formed by the connectedbandportions 89 and 8| is passed over the hand and onto the wrist by pullingagainst the shank 83 to move the actuator adjacent the transverse stop18, extending the end 93 outwardly. Upon reaching the desired positionon the wrist, the fingers oi' the free hand may then grasp the end 93,to direct the tongue 88 to the desired encircling position beneath thelayer provided by thesecond band portion 8| and between the wrist W andsaid band portion iii. In this position, the end 93 is threaded throughthe loops 88 and 89, whereupon the sliding loop 92 is moved to aposition where it may overlap the end 93 and hold the same inparallelism with the band portion 60.

It will be observed that in the encircling position of the band, theslider, by reason of the interengagement of the fastener element 89 onthe oppositely disposed stringers 64, maintains the point of anchoragesubstantially in the plane of the stringers 64, to bring the overlappingends of the bands 68 and GI in close proximity to each other, and with atendency to follow the contour of the wrist with comfort and withoutundue bulk.

For removing the bracelet from the wrist, the

end 93 is withdrawn from the loops 88, 89 and 92, whereupon a fingerneed only be inserted at a point beneath the link 88 and pulled.toenlarge the bracelet to the point where it may be slipped over the handor pushed further onto the arm. Thus, one handed operation may besecured.

In the constricted position, the pressure of the wrist against thetongue 88, coupled with the frictional engagement of the actuator sliderand separable fasteners with each other, effects frictionallocking'action, preventing displacement of the circlet from the wrist,without requiring positive locking action, as afforded by the lookingtongue 54 in the prior embodiments.

In Figures 11 and 12, I have shown a still further embodiment of myinvention including means to secure a permanent engagement between theoverlapping band portions to provide a complete circlet when formed in awrist watch bracelet, for securing a compact arrangement of the variouslayers with a high degree of comfort, security and long life in use,and'which permits 7 the completion of all the leather working operasameto and from the position between the trans- I9 and an inside layer 80,stitched together by I the rows of stitches 8| to provide the loop atone end to engage the usual spring lug of the wrist watch. The outerlayer 19, at its extreme end, is provided with an anchoring eyelet 82,about whose shank there is afllxed the link 83, to encircle the loopthereof 84 about the eyelet and between the layers 19 and 8|l at thisend of the band portion, and projecting the loop portion 85 to one sideof the tongue 86. A row of stitches 81 close to the eyelet 82 forms apocket about the same and the inner loop 94 of. the link 83. The outerloop 85 is passed through the loop 18 tions, before assembling the bandportions with each other, by joining the slider with the terminal end ofthe overlapping band portion.

In this embodiment, the band portion 94 comprises an inner layer 95, anouter layer 98. joined at one end to provide the customary spring lugloop. The opposite end includes a tongue 98 and a loop 99, which isstitched to the tongue 98 by the rows of stitches Hi8, after insertionof the pair of guide loops I9 I in a position corresponding to the loops88 and 89 in the prior embodiment. A medial slit I92 is provided at theend of the loop 99, for purposes which will appear hereinafter.

The complemental band portion in all respects corresponds to the bandportion 8| in the prior embodiment and only the union of the terminalthis operation or-any adjustment.

' y 7 This link is formed with an eye portion I04, two shank port onsI05 terminating into elbow portions I06 and I! by bending the metal atright angles to the shanks. The elbow portions I00 and I01 are ofdissimilar length, and in the position shown in Figure 13 are crossed tooverlie each other in spaced relationship.

With a link as thus described, one end of the elbow portions I06, I0! isdirected or threaded into the. perforation provided by the loop 18 ofthe slider, to position the link I03 so that the eye I04 engages theloop I0 as shown in Figure 14, whereupon the elbows I06 and I01 arespread and directed in opposite directions, to enter the loop 99 to eachside of the slit [02 and flattened into a single plane, permanentlyconnecting the two band portions with each other. In this construction,the branches I05 are sufllciently extended to permit nesting of the loop99 in the same plane as the loop I8, forming compact layers, in theoverlapping relationship of the band portions.

It will be observed that while I have described and illustrated the bandportions I5 and I6 as part of a bracelet for a wrist watch which mayemploy flexible material, such as leather or the like, it will beunderstood that the terminal portions corresponding to the spring lugengaging loops I8 and 35, respectively, may be part of other articleswhere adjustable coupling may be desired.

It will also be observed that while I have described and illustrated thepintles 49 and loop 32 in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 6, thelink 83 and loop 18 in Figures 7 to 10, and the link I03 in Figures 11to 15, in permanent engaging position to provide a complete circlet whenformed in a wrist watch bracelet, it is contemplated by me to removablycouple these connecting portions to permit, as part of the initialoperation, an engagement before adjusting the overlapping ends of theband portions in the desired engaging position. Such attachment andoperation permit the coupling to form part of an article of apparel,such as a belt, shoulder straps of lingerie, or the like. .Otherapplications will occur to the skilled worker.

In all of these constructions, however, it will be observed that simplemanipulation may be effected, requiring a single hand for efl'ecting Thecomplete absence of any perforations on the facing layers adapts myinvention for use in connection with various articles of apparel, inwhich the strength of the facing is not of any material consequence.

Having thus described my invention and illustrated its use, what I claimas new and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. A variable coupling for joining the opposed terminal ends of flexibleband sections in adjustable relation to each other in overlappingposition so that one of said sections overlies the other, the overlyingsection having its rear face provided with a layer having stringers andseparable fastener elements joined into operating engagement by aslider, and a connecting link adjacent the terminal end of theunderlying band section connecting the same to said slider wherebypulling the terminus of the overlying section will effect adjustment ofthe overlying band section in relation to the underlying band section.

2. In a wrist watch bracelet having band portions in overlappingposition the combination comprising a coupling for joining the terminalends thereof adjustably in relation to each other, to have one bandportion overlie the other band portion having a layer comprising astringer and separable fastener elements along the length thereof, anoperating slider for said fastener elements, the underlying b'andportion having a connecting link adjacent the terminal portion thereofconnected to said slider.

3. A variable coupling for joining the terminal ends of flexible bandmembers adjustably in relation to each other in overlying position toprovide front portions faced in the same direction, with the rear faceof the overlying member in contact with the front face of'the underlyingmember, the overlying member comprising an under layer includinglongitudinally directed stringers and interengaging separable fastenerelements, and an actuator, the underlying member including a linkconnectipg the terminal portion thereof with the actuator.

4. A variable coupling for joining the terminal ends of flexible bandmembers adjustably in relation to each other in overlying position toprovide front portions faced in the same direction, with the rear faceof the overlying member in contact with the front face of the underlyingmember, the overlying member comprising an under layer includinglongitudinally directed stringers and interengaging separable fastenerelements, and an actuator, the underlying member including a linkconnecting the terminal portion thereof with the actuator, saidunderlying member having retainer loops for holding the overlying bandmember in the adjusted overlapping position.

5. In a wrist watch bracelet including flexible band members, theopposed ends whereof may be joined to a wrist watch, a coupling for theopposite ends of said band members for joining the terminal ends thereofadjustably in relation to each other and in overlapping position toprovide an overlying member and an underlying member, the front portionswhereof are faced in the same direction, the combination wherein therearface' of the overlying member comprises a layer including stringersand interengaging fastener elements, a link adjacent the terminal end ofthe underlying band member joined to an operating slider for saidseparable fastener elements, the

terminal end of said overlying member cooperating with retainer meansalong the length of the underlying band member to hold the terminal endof the overlying band member adjacent said underlying band member.

6. In a wrist watch strap assembly comprising a pair of flexible bandmembers, one of which may be joined adjustably to the other band memberin overlapping position, said first band member comprising a facinglayer terminating into means to attach the same to a wrist watch, theopposite end forming a tongue and an under layer stitched along thesides of said band portion and joining to the facing layer the stringersof separable fastener elements, the combination comprising a couplingincluding an operating slider, said slider having the end flanges joinedby a central web defining a funnel, the web thereof being constricted tominimize the flare and minimize the displacement of the stringers andfasteners from the plane of the inner layer.

7. In a wrist watch band including a pair of flexible band membersoverlying each other 'adjustably in relation to each other, the opposedfree ends of said overlying members having wrist watch engaging means,the combination wherein the adjacent termini are joined by a variableamass:

I lying band member.

8. In a wrist watch band including a pair of flexible band membersoverlying each other ad-,

Justably in relation to each other, the opposed free ends of saidoverlying members having wrist watch engaging means, the combinationwherein the adjacent termini are joined by a variable coupling inoverlapping position to provide an outer overlying member and anunderlying member faced in the same direction, the rear face of a theoverlying. member carrying a stringer having fastener elements along itslength and a slider and a connecting link for said slider joinedadjacent the end ofsaid underlying band member, said slider and fastenerelements having locking means for locking engagement of the slider withthe fastener elements to hold said band member in adjusted overlappingrelation.

9. In a wrist watch band including a pair of flexible band membersoverlying each other adjustably in relation to each other, free ends ofsaid overlying members having wrist watch engaging means, thecombination wherein the adlacent termini are joined by a variabledirection, the rear face of carrying a stringer and a the opposedcoupling in overlapping position to provide an outer overlying memberand an underlying member faced in the same direction, the rear face ofthe overlying member carrying a stringer and separable fastener elementsjoined along their length by an operating slider and a connecting linkfor said slider joined adjacent the end of said underlying band member,said connecting link comprising an actuator having locking means forlocking engagement of the slider with the slide fastener elements, andretainer means on the underlying band member to hold said actuator inthe locking position.

' CHARLES GOLDBLATT.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file ofthis patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Great Britain 1937

